7 Tips for Surviving Life As a Middle Manager

LinkedIn is rife with advice from CEOs. They say lots of CEO things, that sound great to the vast masses that would love to be respected, rich, and powerful.

But let's get real: The vast, vast majority of us are middle managers and will always remain so. Why isn't anyone talking for and to us?

We at the Wall Street Journal have taken on this challenge, launching a special three-day series called "Managing in the Middle" to explore how middle-management is changing. We're making a select number of stories free for LinkedIn users, and hope you'll check back in over the coming week for some great pieces both paid and free. LinkedIn is also soliciting, yes, CEOs, on their advice to middle managers.

But let's stay on the front lines for now. We talked to a number of our middle-manager readers for their advice, and plucked the seven best ones below. What do you think? Please share your wisdom here and at WSJ.com.

MEDIATE

Try to put yourself in the shoes of both sides.Try to understand what is being asked from both sides and share that information and try to bring them closer together. An effective middle manager sometimes acts more like a mediator.

BE CANDID WITH YOUR EMPLOYEES

Be honest with your subordinates, live up to your word, treat them like family, and don't beat around the bush. Being nice and not telling a person the hard truth is not helpful to one's growth. You're a leader, you're there to lead and cultivate. Make sure you're doing both.

TREAT COMPLIMENTS LIKE FREE CANDY

Listen more than you speak. Treat compliments like free candy -- give them out early and often. Only critique when necessary. Also learn your craft, whatever it is, nothing is worse than a boss who doesn't know what they're talking about. Also remember, whenever you write out a list/schedule/whatever you are the only person who reads the entire thing. Everyone will only read whatever is next to their name.

DO THE HARD STUFF

Volunteer for the projects no one wants to take on that will get exposure to other areas of the business and build skill sets. Most, importantly you and manager will work closely together; this allows for relationship building, trust, and more exposure to even higher levels of management.

EMPATHY FIRST

Care deeply about those who report to you, they will reflect your character and skill sets. If you are in it to hopscotch through the levels of management to reach the top and you don't care about those who lift you there, you will be transparent and a failure. Empathy first, ladder-climbing a distant second.

FILTER OUT THE UNIMPORTANT STUFF

Listen to what your superiors are asking of you, filter the primary objectives (unfortunately not always clear) and execute these first. Realize what can wait, but know that it must be done. Connect with one person in upper management who has a pet project and help them in some small way. Make sure it is something that interests you as well so your assistance comes off as more sincere that suck-up.

TURN OFF YOUR SMARTPHONE

Turn your Blackberry off as soon as you leave work. And don't turn it on until you get back.

Please read: What It's Like Being a Middle Manager Today

Also, please follow me here on LinkedIn and on Twitter @dkberman